Empowered by Nature: My EcoPOWER Experience in Popova Shapka

My name is Marija, and I come from Macedonia. I had an opportunity to be part of training course ” Eco -power “ which took place in Popova Shapka, Macedonia.

Popova Šapka is a mountain and ski resort in North Macedonia that offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure.Known for its location in the Šar Mountains, it’s a perfect spot for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. You can also enjoy breathtaking views from the peaks and explore nearby trails, making it a great place to connect with nature and enjoy an active getaway.

Except enjoying in the beautiful destination we discussed different technologies like hydroelectric, wave, tidal, solar, biomass, geothermal, and wind energy. We also worked in groups to answer thought-provoking questions, such as whether the right to energy should be considered a human right, how the energy transition should be managed in the future, and what roles governments, private companies, and citizens should play in shaping a green future.

Additionally, we identified one or two local environmental problems in our countries and discussed how to address them. We explored and compared topics like the carbon cycle vs. greenhouse effect, global vs. local environmental issues, nature vs. built environment, and sustainability vs. development, which helped us understand the complex balance between human progress and environmental protection.

For me the best part of the project was meeting new friends. As a group there was a huge positive energy that we were sharing together. The participants were so kind-hearted, genuine, and Inspiring. I made great friendships with them.

The memories I made and the lessons I learned will stay forever with me.

Thank you for the opportunity, See you next time. 😊